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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Anatomical variations of the palmaris longus muscle including its relation to the median nerve – a proposal for a new classification

Authors: Łukasz Olewnik, Grzegorz Wysiadecki, Michał Polguj, Michał Podgórski, Hubert Jezierski, Mirosław Topol

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

The palmaris longus (PL) muscle is characterised by high morphological diversity, and its tendon crosses the median nerve (MN) at different levels. Due to the fact that the palmaris longus tendon is routinely harvested for reconstruction of other tendons, knowledge of its morphological variations is clinically important. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to suggest a new morphological classification of the PL muscle and characterise the relationship of its tendon to the median nerve.

Methods

Standard dissection was performed on 80 randomised and isolated upper limbs (40 left and 40 right) fixed in a 10% formalin solution. Measurements of muscle belly and tendon were obtained. The course and location of tendon insertion, as well as its relationship to the median nerve, were noted.

Results

The palmaris longus muscle was present in 92.5% of specimens. Three types of palmaris longus muscle were identified based on the morphology of its insertion (types I-III) and these were further subdivided into three subgroups (A-C) according to the ratio of the length of the muscle belly and its tendon. The most frequent was type I (78.8%), where the tendon attached to the palmar aponeurosis, and subtype B, where the tendon-to-belly ratio was 1–1.5 (41.1%). The mean distance from the interstyloid line to the crossing between the median nerve and the palmaris longus tendon was 31.6 mm. In addition, two types of palmaris longus were described.

Conclusion

The presented classification of palmaris longus muscle types allows a better characterization of its diversity and may be useful in planning tendon grafting.

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Title: Anatomical variations of the palmaris longus muscle including its relation to the median nerve – a proposal for a new classification
Authors: Łukasz Olewnik
Grzegorz Wysiadecki
Michał Polguj
Michał Podgórski
Hubert Jezierski
Mirosław Topol
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1901-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Anatomical variations of the palmaris longus muscle including its relation to the median nerve – a proposal for a new classification

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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